Former WWE star Michael Jones, better known by his wrestling name Virgil, has died at the age of 61, according to his verified Instagram account.
“This is to confirm the sad news of the passing of our beloved Meatsauce God and wrestling superstar Virgil/Michael Jones,” the Instagram post read. “There is so much to say and would love to share stories but for now it is a hard day because our friend is gone.
“All we ask at this time is that he be remembered for the person he was,” the post added. “Wishing him unlimited pasta in heaven. We love you Mike.”
Wrestling referee and friend Mark Charles III broke the news on Facebook on Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness that I bring to the Jones family the news of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we knew and loved as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones, and other names,” Charles wrote. “Virgil passed away peacefully in the hospital this morning and I ask that you pray for him and his family. May his memory last forever!”
The wrestling world paid tribute on social media.
“Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil. Rest in peace my friend,” WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts wrote on Instagram.
“RIP Virgil, thanks for being a great sport during our turmoil and for the memories. See ya good brother,” former WWE Superstar luke gallows said on x,
Jones started out in WWE in the late 1980s as a bodyguard for “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. He turned against his former boss by defeating DiBiase for the Million Dollar Championship in the 1990s. According to Jones’ WWE biography, the rebellion “instantly made Virgil one of WWE’s most popular superstars”.
The cause of death of Jones, who had struggled with health problems in recent years, has not been made public. In April 2022, Jones shared on X that he had suffered two strokes and was diagnosed with the early stages of dementia.
